Special Reports

A Charlotte Observer investigation found that a hidden world of drugs, sex and gang violence thrives inside North Carolina’s prisons – and that the officers who are paid to prevent such corruption are instead fueling it.

Mark Carver is serving a sentence of life in prison without parole in the death of 20-year-old Ira Yarmolenko. But Carver insists he didn't kill her. In a six-part series, the Observer presents the defense he never got.

North Carolina has banned video poker for 12 years, but now fish game tables are the new trend. According to arcade operators, they’re following state law because the money a person can win is based on skill not luck. Officials say otherwise.

North Carolina has banned video poker for 12 years, but now fish game tables are the new trend. According to arcade operators, they’re following state law because the money a person can win is based on skill not luck. Officials say otherwise.